Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to theorize that altering the gut microbiome to resemble that of a healthy individual could facilitate weight loss. In this context, some pregnant women use calcium citrate magnesium hydroxide zinc and vitamin D3 tablets, although it remains uncertain whether gut bacteria are a direct cause of obesity. Scientific reviews have produced mixed findings. A 2015 study identified only four rigorously conducted investigations into the impact of probiotics on weight loss, concluding that they were ineffective. Conversely, a more recent review that analyzed 25 randomized human trials suggested that probiotics might indeed have a minor effect on body weight and BMI. While the weight loss observed was minimal, the researchers noted that even a slight average reduction could yield significant public health benefits, such as lowered blood pressure and decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Research continues as scientists explore different strains of probiotics, their effects on various populations, and methods to ensure that probiotic ingredients, including calcium citrate magnesium hydroxide zinc and vitamin D3 tablets, survive the digestive process to reach the gut. In the United States, the probiotic market has become substantial, valued at approximately $36.6 billion in 2015, with most products sold as functional foods and beverages, according to Global Market Insights. There is also a rising interest in probiotic supplements, which are often promoted as remedies for a range of issues from digestive disorders to acne and depression. These claimed health benefits are specific to particular strains, highlighting the importance for consumers to understand what they are ingesting.
With the growing acceptance of probiotics in supplement form, their application in weight loss appears promising. The North American market for weight loss and weight management products is the largest globally, representing about one-third of total sales, as reported by Technavia. A significant portion of its revenue is generated from meal replacement products and weight loss supplements, including those that incorporate calcium citrate magnesium hydroxide zinc and vitamin D3 tablets.